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Best Biographies of the Iraq War

The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior
New York Times Bestseller A stirringly evocative, thought-provoking, and often jaw-dropping account, The Operator ranges across SEAL Team Operator Robert O’Neill’s awe-inspiring four-hundred-mission career, which included his involvement in attempts to rescue “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell and abducted-by-Somali-pirates Captain Richard Phillips and which culminated in those famous three shots that dispatched the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden. In frank and vivid detail and blunt and plain language, Mr. O'Neill describes some of the 400 counterterrorism operations and close quarter combat he experienced in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere through his career as a SEAL . Fans of battlefield narratives, such as Michael Golembesky's Level Zero Heroes , will relish this gripping perspective on 21st-century warfare." O’Neill wrote himself into American history with the three shots he fired into Osama bin Laden, but if you think that operation was intense wait till you read about the ones that preceded it. What O’Neill has written is unique, surprising, a kind of counternarrative, and certainly the other half of the story of one of the world’s most famous military operations . In the larger sense, this book is about how to be alive—how to be human while in the very same moment dealing with death, destruction, combat.” —Doug Stanton, New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers Robert O’Neill was born and raised in Butte, Montana, and lived there for nineteen years until he joined the Navy in 1996. O’Neill helped cofound Your Grateful Nation, an organization committed to transitioning Special Operations veterans into their next successful career.
Reviews
"This book regards the experiences of the author in serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL member on some 400+ "missions", with his account of being the person who actually shot and killed Osama Bin Laden -- the Islamist who coordinated the hijacked airplane, suicidal Islamikazi attacks on 9/11/2001 that destroyed several skyscrapers in NYC and damaged the Pentagon. I'm not going to recount the author's entire 25-page raid of rappelling from a helicopter into Osama's high-walled "fortress", but will quote the author as claiming that as he climbed up a stairwell to Osama's third floor: "Osama bin Laden stood near the entrance at the foot of the bed, taller and thinner than I'd expected, his beard shorter and hair whiter....In less than a second, I aimed above the woman's right shoulder [who was standing in front of Osama] and pulled the trigger twice. Even if the author hadn't been the SEAL who downed Osama, his recounting of his other combat experiences would still make this book an interesting read."
"Cannot imagine anyone, in less perilous situations e.g. including clubs, corporate, that would not enjoy a bit of this Amazing Story, history, and the highly trained voice of Experience and Leadership, in easy to understand manner."
"This book not only tells of the story of how justice was served on OBL but honors those who have dedicated and ultimately sacrificed their lives to defend the very freedom we as Americans take for granted everyday."
"As an active NYPD Sgt during 9/11 I'm humbled by Rob's resolve and determination."
"O'neill's hard work and dedication to excellence puts him on a collision course to be involved in some of the most famous battles in recent history."
"Well written account of the life and missions of a DEVGRU SEAL and our current world."
"This was a great read that helped resolve the crazy stories about UBL."
"Concise and honest without the fanfare or hyperbole."
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American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. American Sniper is a compelling read.” (CLINT EASTWOOD). “An amazingly detailed account of fighting in Iraq--a humanizing, brave story that’s extremely readable.” (PATRICIA CORNWELL, New York Times Book Review ). A brave warrior and patriot, Chris Kyle writes frankly about the missions, personal challenges, and hard choices that are part of daily life of an elite SEAL Sniper. His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle, who was tragically killed in 2013, writes honestly about the pain of war—including the deaths of two close SEAL teammates—and in moving first-person passages throughout, his wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their family, as well as on Chris.
Reviews
"Most of the low rated reviews were from folks posting negative comments that had not even read the book. I made a point to bring this to the attention of potential buyers of Chris's book so they wouldn't let the low ratings affect their decision to read, what I think is a very good story. I think Chris, with help of course, did a pretty darn good job describing his experiences. This book is written in what I would call a sort of "conversational style". I liked his sense of humor (I caught myself laughing out loud at times). It's interesting to read about what sort of equipment someone needs to survive in that kind of environment. It's easy to sit in a nice comfortable home, and second guess him but the bottom line is that I am quite sure the men that served next to him were glad he was there."
"Chris Kyle is/was a great man, not because he did extraordinary things, but because he was an ordinary American man, raised with the traditional values that made this country great. And because if his ordinary American upbringing and old fashioned American values, he did extraordinary things and his legacy stands head and shoulders above the venal politicians, liberal apologists, and careerist officers who so often pretend to lead us, while really serving themselves."
"I enjoy books written by the person the story is about and aren't a typical autobiography."
"The author was a great asset to this country, but I think he was a much better sniper than he was a writer, and probably his next books would have changed for the better, but he suffered a lethal attack from a troubled, ungrateful individual he was trying to be nice to, and his life was cut short for his efforts."
"Good story, Im very impressed with Chris Kyle and although I was not a Navy Seal, I did 22 and half years in the Navy and I can understand a lot of his thought process and I totally understand the greater side of this story and that's the emotional side dealing with being away from the job and having a loving family."
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The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family
NOW A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MINISERIES EVENT ABC News’ Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz shares remarkable tales of heroism, hope, and heartbreak in her account of “Black Sunday”—a battle during one of the deadliest periods of the Iraq War. Violent resistance in post-invasion Iraq kicked into high gear on April 4, 2004, when American troops in Sadr City faced a massive assault that claimed eight soldiers' lives and wounded more than 70 others. Extensive interviews with the commanding officers of the army's 1st Cavalry division and the soldiers pinned down in the streets provide a clear narrative of how U.S. troops, prepared for "a babysitting mission," found themselves in a bloodbath, as efforts to rescue the first soldiers fired upon met with even greater resistance from Mahdi militiamen who did not hesitate to use small children as frontline attackers. Raddatz, the chief White House correspondent for ABC News, has also spent considerable time not on the White House lawn or in the pressroom but covering, in person, the war in Iraq.
Reviews
"haven't had a chance to finish the book...but, the movie was so touching..I bought the book to read."
"Without the draft, the majority of Americans are shielded from the horrors of war -unlike the Vietnam war."
"Item received as described."
"Excellent book and amazing story of bravery, dedication honor."
"Honoring the fallen, their families, and the soldiers."
"Well written true event story..captivating."
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Best Biographies of the Vietnam War

What It Is Like to Go to War
From the author of the award-winning, best-selling novel Matterhorn , comes a brilliant nonfiction book about war In 1968, at the age of twenty-three, Karl Marlantes was dropped into the highland jungle of Vietnam, an inexperienced lieutenant in command of a platoon of forty Marines who would live or die by his decisions. Marlantes does not shy away from recounting experiences that, outside the arena of war, are horrifying or embarrassing and addresses a soldier’s self-imposed “code of silence” as an attempt to fit back in to a society that “simply wants us to shut up about all of this.” While American pop culture celebrates the warrior spirit and winning the battle, “reconciling the moral conduct we are taught... with the brutal acts we do in war has been a problem for warriors of good conscience for centuries.” Marlantes tempers the brutal truths of fear, power games, and courage with a thoughtful prescription for our soldiers’ well-being; caring for our soldiers and their families differently will benefit society as a whole.
Reviews
"All from the soul, every vet should read this regardless of when and where they served."
"Outstanding insights into what it's like to go to war, particularly in Vietnam."
"A lot to think about particularly concerning our view of ourselves as Americans and how that has changed in the last 75 years!"
"He gave up the soft life of a Rhodes Scholar during the sex, drugs and rock and roll days of the 60's to join his fellow Marines in Vietnam. The increasing numbers of officers who have not served In combat or on the cutting edge of the sword would probably benefit from a couple of evenings spent reading Marlantes' book. Too many of the tragic stories from our current wars include those further up the chain of command who fail to comprehend the violence and speed with which events occur in combat. Last week's Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House failed to mention that the heroics did not save the lives of four Marines who never received desperately needed air support in the intitial hours as a result of risk adverse seniors who had been tasked to provide that assistance. Beyond the combat and intellectual discussions thereof, there are simply heart stopping moments as he wanders through his post Vietnam life in a new search for meaning. It's a great read for the families and friends of warriors who have been in combat or perhaps dealt with very risky operations such at flying jets from carriers on a daily basis. addendum October 2011. The other evening we were talking about the changing face of war as more information is transmitted halfway around the world and decisions regarding employment of weapons made by people far from the action. There's a great risk that those at the top of the military (without combat experience) or those in the Whitehouse addicted to power (including staffers) will become even more involved with what should be tactical decisions."
"This book was a great representation of a personal experience with our forces fighting in Vietnam."
"I spent 24 years in the Navy as a surgeon and cared for several of the Hanoi Hilton POWs."
"I hope every person joining the military can read this or every person encouraging someone to join the military too."
"Combat for a veteran is something he or she experiences for a moment in time and will live with it for the rest of their lives."
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Best Biographies of the Afghan War

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. American Sniper is a compelling read.” (CLINT EASTWOOD). “An amazingly detailed account of fighting in Iraq--a humanizing, brave story that’s extremely readable.” (PATRICIA CORNWELL, New York Times Book Review ). A brave warrior and patriot, Chris Kyle writes frankly about the missions, personal challenges, and hard choices that are part of daily life of an elite SEAL Sniper. His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle, who was tragically killed in 2013, writes honestly about the pain of war—including the deaths of two close SEAL teammates—and in moving first-person passages throughout, his wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their family, as well as on Chris.
Reviews
"Most of the low rated reviews were from folks posting negative comments that had not even read the book. I made a point to bring this to the attention of potential buyers of Chris's book so they wouldn't let the low ratings affect their decision to read, what I think is a very good story. I think Chris, with help of course, did a pretty darn good job describing his experiences. This book is written in what I would call a sort of "conversational style". I liked his sense of humor (I caught myself laughing out loud at times). It's interesting to read about what sort of equipment someone needs to survive in that kind of environment. It's easy to sit in a nice comfortable home, and second guess him but the bottom line is that I am quite sure the men that served next to him were glad he was there."
"Chris Kyle is/was a great man, not because he did extraordinary things, but because he was an ordinary American man, raised with the traditional values that made this country great. And because if his ordinary American upbringing and old fashioned American values, he did extraordinary things and his legacy stands head and shoulders above the venal politicians, liberal apologists, and careerist officers who so often pretend to lead us, while really serving themselves."
"I enjoy books written by the person the story is about and aren't a typical autobiography."
"The author was a great asset to this country, but I think he was a much better sniper than he was a writer, and probably his next books would have changed for the better, but he suffered a lethal attack from a troubled, ungrateful individual he was trying to be nice to, and his life was cut short for his efforts."
"Good story, Im very impressed with Chris Kyle and although I was not a Navy Seal, I did 22 and half years in the Navy and I can understand a lot of his thought process and I totally understand the greater side of this story and that's the emotional side dealing with being away from the job and having a loving family."
Find Best Price at Amazon